Tarptent or other

[Mammoth]

I want to buy a lightweight tent that I could take solo on the AT. But I also want it to be durable enough for short trips in Minnesota (3-season, wind, rain, cold, etc.), and just large enough to stuff in another person if needed. Is a tarptent Virga 2 a good idea? Any other options for such specifications? Thanks!

-Mammoth

[bearbag hanger]

You should look at the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=36
Most of the time I use a hammock, but when tenting, I've been using this. It would be tight for two people but could be done in a pinch. Helps if you like each other a lot.

[Footslogger]

[quote=bearbag hanger]You should look at the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo:
===========================================
I own and like the Lunar Solo-e but I think it might be a tad tight for 2 hikers and gear.

'Slogger

[Lilred]

I have the Squall. I love it. Plenty of room for two and very spacious for one. weighs around 30 oz. Held up quite well in heavy rains.

[eric_plano]

I'll second the Squall. The weight is very nice for a 2-man, easy to set up and have had no problems in rain/light snow.

[Knees]

The tarptents are a great lightweight option for 3 season use, and I stayed warm and dry on the AT in '05 through a wide range of conditions.

The Virga was just big enough for me and my gear. The Squall is like a palace for one person and comfortable for two. The downside to the Squall (and any 2 person tent) is that it has a much larger footprint, so you may need to hunt a bit more for a good campsite. This is all relative though and really didn't seem to be a problem on the AT (especially if you're going shelter to shelter and not stealth camping)

[MoBeach42]

I'll second the Squall. The weight is very nice for a 2-man, easy to set up and have had no problems in rain/light snow.

AMEN! - i spent about 1/3 of my nights in my Squall.

[neo]

have you ever considered a hammock,sleeping on the ground sucks neo


http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...imageuser=3462


http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...imageuser=3462

[Mammoth]

Thanks for all of the advice! The Squall sounds perfect for my needs.
I considered getting a hammock once when I saw one at an outfitters, but I am such a disaster getting into it that it's probably not for me. It looks so darned cozy though... maybe I'll look into them again. Thanks all!

[MileMonster]

I dig my Squall. It's worked well for me in various situations. Fit 2 on my thru. Only problem I've had is that if it's pitched on a wooden tent platform and it rains, rain falling on the wood can spray into the tent through the side mesh.

[Nagal Logute Iyapa]

Have you considered a hammock. I would suggest a look at Hennessey Hammocks. Their website is : http://www.hammocks.com
Level Real Estate that is dry in bad weather is a rare thing in the Appalachians. I would recommend an oversized rainfly / tarp due to the blowing rains. Since I got off the ground, you couldn't pry me away from my hammock. It's like sleeping in a squirrel's nest and the water just runs right under you. No problem unless the water gets over 3 feet deep.

[Nagal Logute Iyapa]

Oops! Need to change the website on the Hennessey Hammock recommendation. Go to: http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

[neo]

this is the way to go neo


http://www.hennessyhammock.com/



http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...imageuser=3462

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...4050&catid=577

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...p?i=7105&c=577


http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...imageuser=3462


http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/show...imageuser=3462